Description
Imagine a decadent dessert with layers of creamy cheesecake-style filling, juicy cherries and a buttery, crunchy crust. The Cherry Cheesecake Lush begins with a base of cookie or wafer crumbs blended with melted butter, topped with a smooth cream cheese layer, then a rich cheesecake-pudding layer, followed by a generous cherry pie filling and finished with a cloud of whipped topping (and optional chopped nuts) for texture and flair. It’s elegant enough for a get-together yet simple enough to throw together ahead of time.
Preparation Steps
- Prepare the crust: Crush vanilla wafers (or cookies) or use cookie/wafer crumbs, mix with melted butter (and chopped pecans if desired), press into a 9×13 inch (or similar) baking dish. You can bake it for ~10-15 mins at 350 °F (≈177 °C) for extra crisp, or skip the bake and just chill.
- Cheesecake layer: In a mixing bowl beat cream cheese (softened) with powdered sugar until smooth, then fold in part of the whipped topping. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
- Pudding layer: Prepare cheesecake-flavored instant pudding mix with milk, let it thicken; then fold in remaining whipped topping. Spread that over the cheesecake layer.
- Cherry topping & finish: Carefully spread a layer of cherry pie filling on top of the pudding layer without disturbing the layers. Then top with the remaining whipped topping and sprinkle chopped nuts if using.
- Chill & serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours (or overnight for best results) until everything sets. Then slice and serve chilled. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to ~3-4 days.